A new learning management system for online courses at Barton Community College will cost at least $300,000 less than the current system while providing a better product, college trustees were told Tuesday. After hearing a detailed report on the Canvas services, the board approved a one-year contract for $82,954.
Dean of Administration Mark Dean noted that eCollege, a service that is being phased out this year, had a minimum fee of $250,000 but in some years cost Barton $400,000 to $500,000.
Administrators also heard how work continues to convert all of the eCollege courses taught through BartOnline to the Canvas format.
In addition to classes, online learning components include PAWS, a portal students can access to make payments, see unofficial transcripts, look up information about financial aid and taxes, and apply for graduation.

Personnel
Contracts were approved for Cherie Shaver, part-time instructor and coordinator of the Mental Health Technician Program; and Laura Schlessiger, mathematics instructor. Shaver’s is a new position.
Current faculty contracts were renewed, with five instructors granted tenure: Amanda Alliband, Karla Johnston, Stephanie Joiner, Renae Skelton and Melissa Stevens.
Contracts not renewed were: Colleen Hampton and Teresa Johnson (part-time), resignations; Brian Howe, position change; Winfried Butler, Vern Fryberger, Edward Johnson and Locadio Perez, retirements; and Marsha Finley, deceased. This year no faculty contracts were non-renewed due to financial exigency.